Who is Q? A look at the Internet political conspiracy theory that is emerging at Donald Trump rallies. (Aug. 3)
AP

People cheer as President Donald Trump speaks at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa, Florida, July 31. A sign showing the letter Q can be seen. Q stands for QAnon, a conspiracy theory believed to have originated in 2017.(Photo: Rod Millington, EPA-EFE)

Joseph Uscinski, a University of Miami professor who has been studying conspiracy theories for decades, told USA TODAY people who follow QAnon are typically "Trump supporters who have a strong conspiracy mentality and are probably evangelical."

Here's what you should know about QAnon:

What is it?

A user named "Q" began posting messages on the dark web in October of 2017, The Guardian reports. Q is reportedly a person working in the nation's energy department who has a top secret clearance. QAnon is the community of people trying to understand the meaning of Q's messages.

What do followers believe?

It's difficult to say. "Q" claims to know about a large child sex trafficking ring within the government, or "deep state," Uscinski notes. This user has also posted claims saying Hillary Clinton, and John McCain, are wearing ankle monitors and Clinton and former president Obama are under investigation, New York Magazine reports.

Celebrity connection?

Roseanne Barr has expressed support for QAnon through tweets, referencing in since-deleted messages the "untold story" of "pedophile rings," The Washington Post notes, as well as requesting QAnon to direct message her.